NRL 2 years ago

Bellamy considers extending Storm contract

A rejuvenated Craig Bellamy is considering activating a clause in his contract that will see him stay head coach of Melbourne until the end of 2018 - if he has the backing of Storm's powerbrokers.

Bellamy is out of contract at the end of next season but isn't ruling out another two seasons after steering the NRL club into a top four finish and then a preliminary final, which Melbourne hosts on Saturday week.

The 55-year-old hasn't missed a finals series since taking on the role in 2003, with the exception of the 2010 salary cap scandal when they were unable to earn competition points.

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But Bellamy said he wouldn't re-sign without the full support of the board and new chief executive Dave Donaghy.

"I'd like to have the club's opinion on it as they might think it's time for somebody else as I've been here for a long time," Bellamy said.

"I'd like to think that's not the case but the CEO might have an opinion that they want to give it to someone younger.

"If I was to go again, I'd like to have their full backing and that will be part of the discussion.

"It will be my decision but if they have any doubts I'd like to hear them."

Bellamy admits he did it tough last season following the club's involvement in the serious injury of Knights player Alex McKinnon, the suicide of former premiership player Ryan Tandy and some discontent within the tight Storm camp.

But he says the addition of some new faces to the squad gave him a fresh start.

"I've got a bit of a spring in my step in the pre-season because of the young guys," Bellamy said.

"While the younger generation are hard in some ways, it's been quite enjoyable for me to be working with them."

The coach plans to settle his future in the off-season but won't make a decision based on emotion.

"If you make a decision during the bad times, you're probably going to pull the pin and vice versa.

"If I had to make a decision last Friday night (after the qualifying win) I'm probably going again, so you just have to make sure you think about it long and hard."